Now or Never

It is not necessary to have read either of this novel's predecessors ( Sooner or Later ; Waiting Game ) to grasp the essentials of the Harts' wildly romantic tale. Michael Skye is the rock star who, when still unknown, loved Jessie and then abandoned her. Four years later he returns, and Jessie realizes that she still harbors strong feelings for him. After a handful of angry confrontations, and a somewhat pedantic interlude chronicling Michael's involvement in Alcoholics Anonymous, the soulmates iron out many of their difficulties. While not ruling out the possibility of a sequel, the novel's conclusion has just enough closure to prove satisfying. The rapid-fire narrative manages to be both gritty and breathless at once. Authentic New Jersey locales do much to anchor this love story in the real world. Ages 12-up. (Feb.)